Masterplanning for the first of seven redevelopment sites in Swindon town centre is due to get under way this spring.
The former Post Office at Fleming Way has been selected by New Swindon Company, the town’s Urban Regeneration Company (URC), as the first new project to be developed.
The site, called The Exchange, will feature a mix of uses and will offer new offices, shops and homes.
Peter Andrews, New Swindon Company’s chief executive, said the demolition of the Post Office was due to be completed in the next few weeks.
“We will appoint masterplanners to work on detailed proposals for The Exchange. A key element of their work during the year will be consultation with the people of Swindon on ideas for this area. We are keen to encourage people to get involved in sharing their views on future proposals.”
The site was acquired in 2003 by national regeneration agency English Partnerships, one of the three funding partners for The New Swindon Company.
The Exchange is one of seven major projects for the town centre, which resulted from extensive community and professional consultation over the past 18 months. The other projects are:
- The Arena – a mix of retail, commercial and recreational facilities that will include a central piazza. This will create a focal point for the town centre
- The Promenade – will be home to the council’s new cultural facilities and, potentially, the new site for the University of Bath’s Institute of Contemporary and Interdisciplinary Arts
- The Hub – will expand Swindon’s retail offer
- North Star Village – will provide a new and vibrant residential area
- Swindon Central – will bring the railway corridor to life and will offer critical access to the town
- The Campus – a business area north of the railway
References: EGi News 08/02/05
